Natural Sciences

Campo di spighe di grano: particolare
Natural Sciences
Course sheet
A.Y. 2025/2026
Bachelor
L-32 R - Scienze e tecnologie per l'ambiente e la natura
Bachelor
180
ECTS
Access
Limited enrolment with admission test
3
Years
Course location
Milan
Language
Italian
In line with the qualifying learning objectives of the corresponding degree class, the Bachelor?s degree programme in Natural Sciences aims to offer students a balanced synthesis between theoretical knowledge and methodological practice in the fields of biology and geology. Such expertise is essential for professional activities concerning the interpretation and protection of all elements of the past and present natural world, and highlighting the correlations between organisms, host substrate and the environment.
The programme is designed with the following objectives:
- Provide a systemic understanding of nature as well as robust practical experience in applying the scientific method to analyse biological components, their mutual interactions and their interactions with the chemical and physical environment;
- Prepare graduates that are able to study the biotic and abiotic components of the natural world, as well as their interactions. The degree programme notably covers a highly cross-disciplinary range of topics, from biology to geology and geography, including fundamentals of mathematics, chemistry and physics;
- Prepare graduates that are able to work in a team as well as autonomously, and to smoothly integrate in any work environment;
- Prepare graduates that are able to use at least one language of the European Union other than Italian in their specific field of expertise and for general communication;
- Provide graduates with the necessary tools to access further educational and personal development opportunities, including teaching-oriented Master's degree programmes.
The degree programme requires students to gain oral and written proficiency in English.
Students will also become skilled in processing naturalistic data using mathematical and statistical techniques applicable to biotic and abiotic contexts. Moreover, they will acquire skills to identify living organisms, substrate types and landforms, to plan protocols and experimental procedures, and to properly write reports in different areas of natural sciences, such as surveys and analyses of the flora, fauna and morphology of the land or, more generally, methodological and experimental procedures for a cross-disciplinary study of organisms, the present environment and the geological past. Graduates will be able to autonomously assess and interpret experimental data, to choose the appropriate techniques for the analysis of environmental and natural components, as well as to apply the principles of professional ethics and a scientific approach to bioethical issues. Moreover, graduates will acquire verbal and written communication skills to be able to address both experts in the field and the general public, using the appropriate language register according to the different circumstances.
The aim of the degree programme is to train graduates who can: perform professional and technical-operational tasks for the identification and classification of processes and phenomena that had, or are having, an impact on the territory; collect, store and process data; define sampling criteria; identify living organisms, substrate types and landforms; organise environmental planning and control activities. This is done with a view to preparing students to enter the world of work right after graduating. The above-mentioned skills can be applied in national and local public administrations dealing with the territory, at research entities and private companies involved in the monitoring of the territory and its resources, as well as by freelancers.
Graduates will also be able to perform professional and technical-operational tasks for the management of natural systems and agri-ecosystems, and take on management and technical assistance roles in parks and natural reserves, farms and cooperatives, as well as in public administrations, research entities and private companies involved in the management and recovery of the territory and its resources.
Graduates will be able to identify protocols and analytical methods to plan laboratory tests and will be familiar with the most common analysis techniques for the characterisation of natural materials. These activities may be undertaken at research centres and public and private analysis laboratories of the agri-food, environmental and pharmaceutical sectors.
Graduates will be able to provide support for the protection of cultural, botanical, zoological, palaeontological and geo-archaeological heritage, and to enhance collections and natural and cultural resources. To this end, they may work at science museums, botanical gardens, teaching and dissemination centres, research entities and private companies involved in the management of cultural and natural heritage.
Finally, graduates will be able to: disseminate knowledge regarding current ecosystems and ecosystems of the geological past; promote environmental education in schools; set up exhibitions on nature; raise awareness on sustainable development. Employment opportunities for this kind of activities are to be found in museums, parks, schools, publishers, public administrations, research entities and private companies active in knowledge dissemination and ecosystems management and protection.


Professional profiles


Expert in the collection and monitoring of naturalistic data
Job function: to collect data on the field; to produce thematic cartography; to classify, analyse and monitor biotic and abiotic components of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Professional skills: ability to fulfil professional and technical-operational tasks so as to cooperate in the identification and classification of processes and phenomena that had, or are having, an impact on the territory; data collection skills, data storage skills and basic data processing skills; ability to define sampling criteria. Ability to identify animals and plants.
Career opportunities: public administrations (at the national and local level) that deal with the territory; research entities and private companies involved in the monitoring of the territory and its resources. Freelance professional activity.


Expert in the management of natural areas and agricultural ecosystems
Job function: to analyse and monitor systems and biological processes both in natural and anthropic settings, in order to preserve the natural environment and improve its quality; to preserve and restore the biotic components of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; to provide technical support in environmental planning and control; to provide specialised support to protect and recover areas at risk.
Professional skills: ability to fulfil professional and technical-operational tasks so as to cooperate in the management of natural systems and agroecosystems
Career opportunities: management and technical assistance roles in parks and natural reserves, farms and cooperatives; public administrations (at the local and national level) for land management and recovery; research entities and private companies involved in the management of the territory and its resources. Freelance professional activity.


Expert in the laboratory analysis of biological and geological materials
Job function: to analyse biotic and abiotic components of natural ecosystems; to define physical-chemical and biological properties of materials (characterisation); to serve as quality controller; to employ natural materials in industry.
Professional skills: ability to identify the right protocols and analytical methods to plan laboratory analyses; knowledge of the main analytical techniques for characterisation of natural materials.
Career opportunities: public and private research centres and analysis laboratories of the agri-food and environmental sectors, as well as of the pharmaceutical industry. Public administrations (at the local and national level) dealing with material characterisation and providing operational support to research entities. Freelance professional activity.


Expert in the management and conservation of museum collections
Job function: to provide support for the protection of the cultural, botanical, zoological, palaeontological and geo-archaeological heritage; to enhance collections and the natural and cultural heritage.
Professional skills: ability to classify biotic and abiotic natural elements; data storage, processing and enhancement; knowledge of exposition techniques.
Career opportunities: science museums, botanical gardens and teaching and dissemination centres; operational support roles for research entities and private companies involved in the management of cultural and natural heritage. Freelance professional activity.


Expert in the dissemination of natural sciences
Job function: to disseminate knowledge regarding current ecosystems and ecosystems of the geological past; to promote environmental education in schools; to set up naturalist exhibitions; to raise awareness on sustainable development.
Professional skills: knowledge of biotic and abiotic components of fossil and current ecosystems and their evolution in the history of Earth; knowledge of the impact of human beings on ecosystems.
Career opportunities: museums; parks; schools; public administrations (at the local and national level) dealing with knowledge dissemination; research entities and private companies involved in the management and protection of the ecosystems. Freelance professional activity.


Provided that they pass the corresponding state exam and enrol in the relevant professional register, graduates may access the following state-regulated professions:
Graduated agricultural technician
Junior biologist
Graduated agricultural expert
Junior planner
As part of the ERASMUS+ program for study, agreements have been made with universities in several countries, including Spain, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic and Romania, for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences. The study period abroad can be used to take courses and related exams, and to conduct research activities for the purpose of the dissertation. The student admitted to the mobility program must submit a proposed study plan that includes the educational activities he or she plans to carry out abroad. The number of CFUs in the proposed plan should, as far as possible, correspond to that which the student would acquire in an equivalent period of time at his or her own university. The proposed activities, chosen within the framework of the educational activities of the host University, should be consistent with the educational project of the Degree Course. The proposed plan must be submitted to the Erasmus Commission of the Interdepartmental Teaching College for approval. The Commission may ask the student, where deficiencies are found in core courses, to supplement the syllabus of an examination taken at the host university with a colloquium to be conducted at his or her own university on an agreed supplementary syllabus.
Attendance to didactic activitites including laboratories, field activities, internships which provide credits, is compulsory.
Enrolment
Admission to the bachelor's degree program in Natural Sciences is open to candidates who hold a secondary school diploma or other qualification obtained abroad that is recognized as suitable, as well as to those with an adequate initial preparation. The degree program in Natural Sciences has a programmed number in order to ensure the quality of the educational offerings in relation to available resources and provides for a TOLC (Test On Line CISIA) as a test for access. The test is designed to ascertain that students' preparation meets the minimum requirements of basic knowledge in scientific disciplines. A total of 300 places are available for enrollment in the first year.
The TOLC can be taken at the University of Milan or any other university that is a member of CISIA (Consorzio Interuniversitario Sistemi Integrati per l'Accesso). Registration for the TOLC should be done on the CISIA website (www.cisiaonline.it). The TOLC valid for enrollment in the Bachelor of Natural Sciences program is the TOLC-S. Test structure and topics and other useful information are available at https://www.cisiaonline.it/area-tematica-tolc-scienze/struttura-della-prova-e-sillabo/

Entry requirements and the announcement are available at https://scienzenaturali.cdl.unimi.it/it/iscriversi.
Students who having taken the TOLC-S will have enrolled in the selection for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences program will be placed in the merit list, formulated on the basis of their score on the test. Students usefully placed in the merit list must finalize their matriculation by the deadlines indicated in the announcement. Freshmen who do not achieve a score greater than or equal to 10 in the Basic Mathematics module will be assigned Additional Educational Obligations (OFAs).

Access for transfer or already graduated students.
Students already enrolled in a degree program at the University of Milan, at another University or already graduated, may be exempted from the test only if admitted to years subsequent to the first, but only if they meet the minimum requirements, i.e., at least 24 CFUs recognizable as exams of the Degree Course, of which 12 can be validated for the Institutions of Mathematics and Statistics exam. For this purpose, a special request for prior career evaluation must be submitted by accessing the online service indicated in the admission notice. Interested parties should declare all exams taken with relevant scientific disciplinary fields, credits and grades and attach course syllabi.
For more details on the procedure and dates and deadlines, please refer to the announcement.
Students admitted to the first year will have to take the TOLC test.

Additional educational obligations and arrangements for OFA remediation.
For students with OFAs, supportive activities will be organized, followed by a remedial test by which the student must demonstrate that he/she has improved his/her preparation. In the absence of this evidence, the student will not be allowed to take any second-year exams before passing the Institutions of Mathematics and Statistics exam (link: https://scienzenaturali.cdl.unimi.it/it/studiare/le-matricole).
Information on registering for the degree program is available at https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/frequentare-un-corso-di-laurea/iscriversi/iscriversi-una-prima-laurea.

Places available: 300 + 4 reserved for non-EU citizens

Call for applications

Please refer to the call for admission test dates and contents, and how to register.

Session: 1

Application for admission: from 13/03/2025 to 29/05/2025

Application for matriculation: from 09/06/2025 to 19/06/2025

Read the Call


CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - NOTICE

The call for applications is the only official document for admission to degree programmes. Please read it carefully. If you are reading this notice is because the call is available only in Italian as the programme is offered in Italian. Students wishing to enrol must be proficient in Italian.

Session: 2

Application for admission: from 23/06/2025 to 17/07/2025

Application for matriculation: from 21/07/2025 to 31/07/2025

Read the Call


CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - NOTICE

The call for applications is the only official document for admission to degree programmes. Please read it carefully. If you are reading this notice is because the call is available only in Italian as the programme is offered in Italian. Students wishing to enrol must be proficient in Italian.

Session: 3

Application for admission: from 05/08/2025 to 11/09/2025

Application for matriculation: from 17/09/2025 to 24/09/2025

Read the Call


CALL FOR APPLICATIONS - NOTICE

The call for applications is the only official document for admission to degree programmes. Please read it carefully. If you are reading this notice is because the call is available only in Italian as the programme is offered in Italian. Students wishing to enrol must be proficient in Italian.

Programme description and courses list
Over several sessions
These activities are scheduled over several sessions. Please refer to course overviews for details.
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Botany 12 104 Italian BIO/01 BIO/02
- Morphology of land plants6
- Systematic Botany6
Chemistry 10 92 Italian CHIM/03 CHIM/06
Fundamental of Mathematics and Statistics 12 136 Italian MAT/04 MAT/06
Zoology 12 100 Italian BIO/05
First semester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
General and Environmental Biology with Elements of Histology 8 68 Italian BIO/06
Physical Geography and Cartography 8 68 Italian GEO/04
Second semester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Physics 6 56 Italian FIS/01 FIS/03 FIS/04 FIS/07
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
English Assessment B1 (2 ECTS) 2 0 English NN
be activated by the A.Y. 2026/2027
year
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Ecology and Behavioural Ecology 15 124 Italian BIO/07
- Behavioural ecology6
- Ecology9
First semester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Comparative Anatomy 7 60 Italian BIO/06 BIO/16
Genetics 8 76 Italian BIO/18
Mineralogy 6 52 Italian GEO/06
Paleontology 6 52 Italian GEO/01
Second semester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
General and Environmental Physiology 8 64 Italian BIO/09
Geology 6 52 Italian GEO/02
Petrography 6 52 Italian GEO/07
be activated by the A.Y. 2027/2028
First semester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Biodiversity Conservation 6 52 Italian BIO/07
Developmental Biology 6 48 Italian BIO/01 BIO/06
Environmental Microbiology 6 48 Italian BIO/19
Freshwater Biology 6 64 Italian BIO/05
General Entomology 6 48 Italian AGR/11
Geopedology 6 48 Italian GEO/04
Molecular Biology and Evolution of Genomes 6 48 Italian BIO/11 BIO/19
Vertebrate Zoology 6 52 Italian BIO/05
Second semester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Evolutionary Biology 6 48 Italian BIO/02 BIO/05 BIO/18 BIO/19
Geographic Information Systems 6 56 Italian INF/01
Optional
Analysis of Biological and Environmental 6 48 Italian BIO/05
Anthropology and Archaeological Excavation 6 48 Italian BIO/08
Climatology 6 48 Italian GEO/04
Geobotany 6 48 Italian BIO/02
Geomorphology 6 48 Italian GEO/04
Mineral Resources and Environmental Interactions 6 52 Italian GEO/09
Paleontology Heritage and Excavations 6 48 Italian GEO/01
Plant Physiology 6 48 Italian BIO/04
Quaternary Climate Changes 6 48 Italian GEO/02
Vascular Plants 6 48 Italian BIO/02
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Final Exam 4 0 Italian NN
Study plan rules
1 - The student must acquire 12 CFUs by choosing from the courses listed below. The only rule to be observed is that no more than one course in the area of Ecological Disciplines (sectors BIO/03, BIO/07 and GEO/04)
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Biodiversity Conservation 6 52 Italian First semester BIO/07
Developmental Biology 6 48 Italian First semester BIO/01 BIO/06
Environmental Microbiology 6 48 Italian First semester BIO/19
Freshwater Biology 6 64 Italian First semester BIO/05
General Entomology 6 48 Italian First semester AGR/11
Geopedology 6 48 Italian First semester GEO/04
Molecular Biology and Evolution of Genomes 6 48 Italian First semester BIO/11 BIO/19
Vertebrate Zoology 6 52 Italian First semester BIO/05
Analysis of Biological and Environmental 6 48 Italian Second semester BIO/05
Anthropology and Archaeological Excavation 6 48 Italian Second semester BIO/08
Climatology 6 48 Italian Second semester GEO/04
Geobotany 6 48 Italian Second semester BIO/02
Geomorphology 6 48 Italian Second semester GEO/04
Mineral Resources and Environmental Interactions 6 52 Italian Second semester GEO/09
Paleontology Heritage and Excavations 6 48 Italian Second semester GEO/01
Plant Physiology 6 48 Italian Second semester BIO/04
Quaternary Climate Changes 6 48 Italian Second semester GEO/02
Vascular Plants 6 48 Italian Second semester BIO/02
2 - The student must autonomously acquire 12 cfu from all the courses activated by the University (preferably chosen within the scientific area), as long as they are coherent with the training project, subject to assessment by his/her tutor and approval by the relevant commission. The above-mentioned courses also count as part of this choice (in this case, tutor and commission approval is not required).
This category also includes any courses identified as part of the "Transversal University Competences" indicated in the resolution (see the paragraph "Course structure > Presentation of the study plan").
Second semester
Courses or activities Max ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Field Activity, Training Activity and Laboratories 8 48 Italian NN
Prescribed foundation courses
Learning activityPrescribed foundation courses
Petrography Mineralogy (compulsory)
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Location
Milan
Course locations
Course locations: Department of Biosciences (via Celoria 26), Settore Didattico (via Celoria 20, via Golgi 19, via Venezian 14), Department of Earth Sciences "Ardito Desio" (via Mangiagalli 34 e via Botticelli 23) and other classrooms situated in different buildings in Milan-Città Studi.
Laboratory locations
Laboratory locations: Department of Biosciences (via Celoria 26), Settore Didattico (via Celoria 20, via Golgi 19, via Venezian 14), Department of Earth Sciences "Ardito Desio" (via Mangiagalli 34 e via Botticelli 23).

The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:

  • The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
  • The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year) 
  • An additional fee is due for online programmes

The University also offers:

  • Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
  • Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
  • Concessions for international students with refugee status

Scholarships and benefits

The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).

Learn more